5 Technologies to Expect in 2018

Envision a future where you can fly around the world in a mere three hours, ride in a car with no driver and receive an Amazon Prime delivery by drone, only two hours after placing an order. Despite sounding like notions from a futuristic sci-fi film, the rapidly evolving world of technology is working around the clock to make these concepts a reality. While new technologies are always in the works, they seem to emerge and integrate into society at a shocking pace these days. Developers must stay on top of these new trends and products. In 2018 alone, the world will see the release of five highly anticipated technologies.

1. Elon Musk’s Hyperloop Inventor and engineer Elon Musk has been diligently working to create a supersonic transit system that will enable commuters to quickly reach their destinations. This system has been dubbed the “Hyperloop.” Musk is currently experimenting with the speed of his system and has already achieved record-breaking test runs at 220 miles per hour. Musk says the system will get even faster by its launch in 2018 for California passengers and freight. Elon continues to lead the way in hardware and software integration with all of his businesses, including Tesla.

2. HP’s “The Machine” Experts at HP have been working on a supercomputer known as “The Machine” for several years. The supercomputer is expected to be a complete reinvention of the personal computer. It will forgo Windows in place of Linux and act as an all-inclusive system with a server, PC, phone, and workstation. This revolutionary design is intended to accommodate the future with less dependency on electricity and a new laser data transfer system. The first devices equipped with “The Machine” technology are anticipated to be released to the public in mid-2018.

3. Improved Electric Cars Electric and hybrid cars have become commonplace over the last decade; however, they have left a lot to be desired. It is expected that 2018 will be a big year for the evolution of these cars. Models that are currently being developed, with anticipated 2018 release dates, have taken a number of factors into consideration to improve both functionality and aesthetics. Developers have combined the look and innovative features of luxury German car engineering with improved, fast-charging batteries that get 150 to 200 miles per charge. Because these cars are driving computers, software releases can add new features in an instant.

4. The First Private Supersonic Jet The Spike Aerospace S-512 is expected to be the world’s first private supersonic jet. The concept was dreamed up by billionaire business executives who had grown tired of long flights to reach crucial destinations, such as Tokyo and London, from the United States. The company that is developing the business-class jet is based in Boston and promises to cut travel time around the globe in half. It is expected to take its first flight in December of 2018.

5. Drone Deliveries While drones have been increasingly popular in recent years, they have remained in the realm of recreational use among the general public. There have been discussions for several years about utilizing drone technology to deliver packages, and in 2018, it will become a reality. Several companies in areas including Dubai, parts of Canada, Japan and Africa will launch drone delivery test services throughout the year. Meanwhile, in the United States, Amazon has been working diligently for several years to offer Prime Delivery via drones. Despite their dedication to the project, they have encountered numerous restrictions set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Recent modifications to drone operation regulations may, however, provide the company with the break they need to introduce the service in the near future. As test runs are completed, and kinks are worked out with the legalities, more and more drone delivery services are expected to be introduced around the world.

Get ready; there is an exciting future ahead! Software developers get to play the central role in making these things happen.